Of course, as a student preparing to graduate
with a degree in data science, you are already aware of this aspect. You were
early to jump onto the bandwagon and are nearly ready to dive into the real
world and make a difference out there. The first step is landing that dream
position as a data scientist.

There are numerous things to be aware of as
you begin the job search. Many apply to any traditional job hunt, but others
are important for those going into the field of data science to consider. As
graduation looms upon you and preparing for a real job becomes more of a
reality, here are a few things to take into account:

Back to Basics

First and foremost, when searching for any job
it is critical to make sure you have the basics down. This includes things such
as making certain your resume is up to date and adequately details your
education and previous work experience. Ask yourself about the value of
everything you include in your resume. Are there some personal details that you
shouldn’t include? Excessive irrelevant details can actually hurt your chances
of being selected for an interview.

Another thing to take into consideration is
the changing platforms for reaching out to potential employers. Although
traditional methods of catching employer attention, such as job fairs and
responding to outreach events, are still important, new ones are up and coming.
Platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter are great ways to find and
engage potential employers. The next steps include completing a full profile
and following and engaging with companies you’re interested in working for.

There are also a number of things to adjust in your social media profiles to make them interview ready. It is critical to remove any potentially damaging comments or pictures that would turn employers off. Social media can ruin your online reputation, and a negative reputation can bar you from getting the job you want. When it comes to job hunting, managing your online reputation is a must in this new digital landscape.

Realities of the Field

Beyond the basics that apply to nearly every job search, begin to seek out some of the realities of job hunting in the data science field. Furthermore, take a deeper look at what job expectations should be like and set your sights at a reasonable level. When planning your career in data science, be sure to talk with professionals already in the field to get a grasp on what to expect.

Additionally, examine different specialties and position yourself to jump into one that interests you, whether that be data base management, marketing strategy, or coding. Of course, be realistic about the job market, as well as how others will perceive you. Regardless of your specialty, most will consider you the all-encompassing expert that understands literally everything related to data science and management.

Although many people within the field of data science are very happy with their jobs, there are a number of things that can be challenging — for instance, balancing expectations with actual work on the job. There are thousands of big ideas floating around data science, but actually implementing them is a challenge for many companies. They often are not adequately prepared to fully invest in these advancements, which can make tackling large, game-changing projects more difficult for data science employees.

An Ever-Changing Market

With the rapid changes in technology and data science in general, it is also valuable to be aware of how rapidly the market can change. For instance, developments such as artificial intelligence will continue to transform the job market of nearly every industry, data science included. New employees should work to adapt and continue to develop new skills that will keep them at the leading edge of hiring.

This ability to continue to learn new skills
is an important part of determining the quality of a job offer. Although there
will certainly be some repetition in any job, finding one where you are
continually exposed to new skills and ideas can be valuable in maintaining your
own marketability. When you find that you are no longer learning or growing
within the company, it may be time to begin the job search all over again.

The traditional amount of time that one is
expected to remain with a single company is changing just as quickly and the
tech and data science markets are expanding. Just a few decades ago, it was
commonplace for people to stay with a single company for 10, 20, or even 30
years. Now, it is more common for individuals to move around every 2-4 years in
order to gain a wide breadth of experience and knowledge.

As you graduate from your data science program and begin looking for a position in your field there are a number of things to be aware of. Of course, be certain to dot all your Is and cross all your Ts when it comes to reaching out to employers and developing a professional resume. Within the data science field, do some research to be certain your expectations meet reality. Find a position where you will continue to learn and grow as an employee.

About the Author

Avery Phillips is a freelance human based out of the beautiful
Treasure Valley. She loves all things in nature, especially humans.
Leave a comment down below or tweet her @a_taylorian with any questions or comments.

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